System and method for programming an internal parameter or feature in a power converter with a multi-function connector

ABSTRACT

A programmable parameter or feature is provided for a power converter through a multi-function connection on the converter controller. The parameter or feature selection is active for programming during a startup mode, and the connection is used for other control purposes during a steady state run mode. A reference signal is read on the multifunction connection during startup mode and a selection of a parameter value or feature is made based on a value of the reference signal. The reference signal is compared to preset, internal reference values to select a desired parameter value or feature. An internal preset value is chosen based on the selection and the programming circuitry is disconnected from the connection to permit alternate functionality for the connection. The programmable circuit permits selection from a variety of parameter values or features based on an external signal, without dedicating an external pin on the controller.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

N/A

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a system and method for selecting an internal parameter value or feature in a power converter, and relates more specifically to selecting an internal parameter value or feature by comparing a programmable reference signal on a multifunction pin to one or more threshold levels.

2. Description of Related Art

Power converters have become more flexible in providing functionality and features in recent years. One reason for advances in power converters is the design flexibility permitted by digital/analog hybrid controllers. These controllers can measure analog signals and perform digital logic and control functions to provide a wide range of features and functionality in realizing a power converter control.

Among the various parameters that influence power converter control is overcurrent detection and response. A popular technique for detecting and responding to an overcurrent condition involves the use of a current limit threshold, where an overcurrent event causes a power controller to register a current related parameter going beyond a threshold. Due to the importance of providing flexibility in setting an overcurrent threshold level, a dedicated pin or connection for the power controller is typically used. A power converter designer typically specifies a passive component for connection to the dedicated pin to achieve an overcurrent threshold setting for the power converter. Typically, the passive component is a resistor that sets or selects a current threshold level that can be compared against a value representative of current flowing through a power stage of the power converter.

If an external component and dedicated pin are not used to set, or program, the overcurrent threshold limit, an internal overcurrent threshold limit is used, which is typically not programmable. Accordingly, flexibility in the design of the power converter is limited. While it is possible to select from multiple controller models that offer various internal overcurrent thresholds, such a power converter design can be inefficient and costly in practice.

It would be desirable to provide a means for permitting a user to select an internal parameter value, in this example an overcurrent threshold, using one controller design, without having to dedicate a controller connection for that purpose.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a system and method for selecting one of several internal parameters, or programming one of several features in a power converter by utilizing one of its connectors as a multifunction connector. The system and method permits the elimination of a dedicated connector for the purpose of setting parameter values or selecting features. There are numerous types of parameters and features in a power converter that are advantageously set or programmed by a user. The list includes, and is not limited to, frequency, output voltage level, soft start time, overcurrent protection level, methods for output voltage sequencing and method of fault protection, for example. The present invention describes an exemplary embodiment in detail, where the system and method is directed to setting an overcurrent threshold level by selecting one from a plurality based on a programming reference signal.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system and method for permitting a user to select an internal parameter, such as overcurrent threshold limit, in a power controller. A multifunction pin or connection in a controller is used during one interval to set one of several internal overcurrent threshold limits, and is used for other purposes during other intervals or modes. The connection can be provided with a tri-state gate to permit the secondary function to be disconnected while an overcurrent threshold limit is programmed or set.

In one embodiment, an error amplifier output pin is multiplexed with an overcurrent threshold limit function. During an initial startup, the error amplifier output is disconnected from its pin. A resistor is connected between the pin and a common reference. The resistor does not interfere with the error amplifier during normal operation, and serves the purpose of programming the overcurrent threshold limit during startup. An internal voltage source applied to the resistor permits a sensed current to be obtained. The sensed current is compared internally to one of several preset current levels. The result of the comparison is then decoded, latched, and used to select one of several internally preset overcurrent thresholds. The overcurrent threshold limit is modified, or programmed by adjusting the value of the external resistor.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a sensed current value is obtained from an external resistor during startup for a controller and decoded to select a preset overcurrent threshold limit. The current is decoded by comparison with a number of internal preset current values when a startup sequence in the controller is activated. If the sensed current is greater than a given preset current value, the preset value selects a given overcurrent threshold limit and latches that value for use in the controller during normal operating periods.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a sensed current is provided to the controller on a temporary basis during a startup sequence, and is maintained over a short delay period while a preset overcurrent threshold limit is latched. In this embodiment, the overcurrent threshold limit setup may be permitted for a short time, and the delay and latching elements contribute to ensuring an overcurrent threshold limit is set.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method for selecting an operating parameter for a power controller, such as an overcurrent threshold limit, for example, is provided without the use of a dedicated connection to a controller. During startup mode, the method provides for sensing a reference signal, such as a current applied to the multi-function connection, for example. The method may include selecting a preset value for the operating parameter, such as an overcurrent threshold limit, for example, based on the sensed reference signal. The preset value selected may be taken from a plurality of presets based on the reference signal, such as a sensed current. The sensed current may be provided in relation to a passive component or network of components coupled to the multi-function connection.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a plurality of overcurrent threshold limits are provided internally to a controller that are selectable through an appropriate choice of a passive component or network coupled to the controller. In at least one instance, one of the plurality of preset overcurrent threshold limits can be selected when no external passive component is provided to the multi-function connection, that is, the connection is left open. Accordingly, an overcurrent threshold limit is automatically selected even if no programming passive component is present. The overcurrent threshold may also be programmed through a network of passive components coupled to the multi-function connection.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an impedance coupled to the multifunction connector provides a reference voltage signal upon application of a reference current. The derived reference voltage signal is used to select an internal parameter value or feature. A voltage selection circuit compares the reference voltage signal against one or more thresholds, and selects a parameter value or programmed feature based on a result of the comparison. A decoder circuit and/or latch may optionally be used to indicate the selection and maintain the indication or selection.

Additionally, the concept of selecting one of several internal overcurrent thresholds, without having to dedicate a controller connection for that purpose, applies to other desirable functions or parameters, for example, operating frequency.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description of the invention in conjunction with the drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is an abstract circuit diagram of a conventional overcurrent threshold limit program circuit;

FIG. 2 is a simplified circuit diagram of a programmable overcurrent threshold limit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of a power converter control circuit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating internal operations of a controller in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram illustrating selection of a preset parameter value in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of a preset parameter value selection circuit according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of a selection circuit on a multifunction connection in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of a selection circuit using voltage reference thresholds in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIG. 2, a simplified diagram for a parameter value selection circuit is illustrated generally as diagram 20. The circuit of diagram 20 can be used to select an overcurrent threshold limit from among a number of preset values, for example. A resistor Rp is connected to an error amplifier circuit that includes an amplifier 22. A switch 24 disconnects error amplifier 22 during certain stages of operation of the circuit in diagram 20. For example, in a startup mode, switch 24 is open so that no error amplification is used when the switching stage is off. Because switch 24 disconnects amplifier 22 from external circuitry, resistor Rp can be used to program a current sensing circuit which decodes and selects one of several overcurrent threshold limits, for example. During normal running mode, switch 24 is closed so that amplifier 22 can provide a control feedback signal for the controller. In this situation, resistor Rp acts as a small load on the error amplifier circuit. Circuit 26 for selecting a parameter value is disconnected from connection COMP after startup mode is complete, and a parameter value selection has been established.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an implementation of a power converter controller is illustrated as circuit 30. A controller 32 provides synchronous control operation to drive a half bridge composed of two FETS. An output feedback signal from an output voltage VOUT is provided to connection FB for feedback control. Connection COMP provides a compensation for the error feedback connection FB, with an internal amplifier relating the two connections together. In an exemplary embodiment, controller 32 provides overcurrent or short circuit protection through the selection of one of several internal overcurrent thresholds determined by sensing the impedance of an external passive component, such as resistor Rp, connected from connection COMP to ground, for example. During startup, controller 32 forces a voltage on connection COMP, measures the current flowing through the impedance on connection COMP, compares the measured current to several internal current values, and asserts one comparison level to select and latch one of the several internal overcurrent threshold levels. In an exemplary embodiment, three internal overcurrent thresholds are provided. It should be apparent that controller 32 may easily be configured to force a current on connection COMP and compare the measure voltage against internal values to determine a parameter value selection. It should also be apparent that any number of threshold set points may be used, by simply decoding a larger number of values.

Referring now to FIG. 4, an internal block diagram of a buck controller with various selectable parameter values is illustrated generally as diagram 40. Connection COMP is shown in diagram 40 as having a switch 42 used to switch connection COMP between the error amplifier and a parameter value selector 44. Selector 44 provides the circuitry for reading the current or voltage determined by the passive component(s) on connection COMP and selecting a parameter value from several available values, which is latched into the control illustrated in diagram 40.

Switch 42 in diagram 40 is active during a startup mode, to connect connection COMP to selector 44. Once the startup mode passes, and the controller of diagram 40 enters a normal running mode, switch 42 is closed to complete the error loop between connections FB and COMP. The latched value of the parameter, such as, for example, an overcurrent threshold, is then used for comparison against output current values to determine when an overcurrent condition occurs. By providing a selectable overcurrent threshold, for example, diagram 40 provides a control that is usable with a number of different applications in a wide variety of power levels. As indicted in selector 44, other parameters that can be given a selectable value include oscillator frequency, soft-start time, output voltage level, an output sequencing method and fault protection or response methods.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an exemplary embodiment of the circuitry for parameter value selector 44 is illustrated generally as circuit 50. Circuit 50 provides a technique for selecting a parameter value based on voltage provided to resistor Rp. The resulting current flowing through resistor Rp, transistors 51 and M0 is compared against current flows represented as I1 and I2, provided through transistors M1 and M2, respectively. Currents I1 and I2 have different values, with current I2 being greater than I1, for example. Any number of comparative currents may be used, where each of the successive currents is higher than the previous, that is, a current I3 would be higher than current I2 and so on.

During programming, switch S1 is closed to determine the current through resistor Rp. Current IRp is compared to the preset internal currents I1 and I2. A decoder determines when a given current path is active, to provide a selection for the parameter value or feature. According to this embodiment, circuit 50 provides a current mirror for current IRp that activates one or more internal current paths depending upon the value of current IRp. That is, if current IRp is greater than or equal to current path I1, and less than current path I2, then an active current path I1 is decoded in decoder 53. If IRp is greater than or equal to current I2, then current path I2 is decoded as an active current in decoder 53. Any current path that is not active because the value of current IRp is not great enough to make the path active, is decoded as an inactive path in decoder 53. Accordingly, if current IRp is lower than the lowest value for the current paths I1 and I2, a selection is still made based on currents I1 and I2 both being inactive.

Referring now to FIG. 6, another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated as circuit 60. Circuit 60 is similar in concept and function to circuit 50, and further includes a latch 62 and a delay element 64. The additional circuitry in circuit 60 provides a particular timing sequence for latching the parameter value or feature information before resistor Rp is disconnected with switch S1. A latch signal 65 is provided at a clock input of latch 62 to secure the decoded parameter value or feature information. Latch signal 65 also propagates through delay element 64 to open switch S1 after a given delay. When switch S1 is open, connection COMP is disconnected from the parameter value or feature selection circuit. In accordance with the configuration of circuit 60, the feature or parameter value selection, such as, for example, an overcurrent limit threshold value, is latched in latch 62 prior to the opening of switch S1, to ensure a good reading of the parameter value or feature selection information is obtained.

Referring now to FIG. 7, another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in detailed circuit diagram 70. Circuit 70 illustrates a specific component layout that may be used to achieve the present invention. A current IRp is drawn through connection COMP and compared against currents I1 and I2. If current IRp is less than I1 or I2, signals 72, 73 both remain at a low logic level. D flip flops 75, 76 produce outputs that are decoded by logic gates 78 to produce the set point levels for the selected parameter value. In the example illustrated in diagram 70, an overcurrent limit threshold is selected based on three available levels. For example, logic gate 78 a decodes two low levels from D flops 75, 76 to select a medium level for an overcurrent threshold. This selection level corresponds to high impedance value at connection COMP, such as in the case of no programming component being connected at all.

If current IRp is equal to or greater than current I1, and less than current I2, signal 72 becomes a logic high level, while signal 73 remains a logic low level. The resulting selection at logic gates 78 turns on high level gate 78 b to select a high range of preset current limits. If current IRp is greater than both current I1 and I2, both signal 72 and 73 become logic high levels. The resulting overcurrent threshold limit selection in logic gates 78 results in gate 78 c being turned on to select a low overcurrent threshold limit. The logic level 72, 73 selected during startup with the impedance coupled to connection COMP are latched in D flip flops 75, 76 with a clock signal that is provided as an enable signal 71. Signal 71 is active during a startup mode to latch the logic levels 72, 73 into D flip flops 75, 76. After startup mode, signal 71 remains low and the latched values in D flip flops 75, 76 continue to select the programmed overcurrent threshold limit determined through logic gates 78.

Referring to FIG. 8, another exemplary implementation of the present invention is illustrated as circuit 80. Circuit 80 operates on a voltage reference basis to determine which parameter value or feature should be selected based on the value of resistor Rp. A current Iref, coupled to switch S1 is forced on resistor Rp when switch S1 is closed during startup. The resulting voltage across resistor Rp is supplied to comparators 82, 83 and 85, as well as any other comparators represented by dashed lines in circuit 80. It should be noted that a selection according to this technique may be made using a single comparator, and additional comparators permit additional selection decisions.

Comparators 82-85 provide a comparison result based a respective comparison of voltage references Vref1-VrefN to the input voltage across resistor Rp. A decoder 86 manipulates the results to provide an indication of the selected parameter or feature. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, voltage references Vref1-VrefN have different values, so that their respective comparator outputs indicate a digitized value of the voltage across resistor Rp. That is, comparators 82-85 act as an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for selection of a desired parameter value. Decoder 86 assesses the active lines of comparators 82-85 and provides a selection based on the assessment. Other exemplary embodiments include a direct selection of a parameter through activation of a given comparator output or set of outputs, for example.

Although not shown in FIG. 8, a latch may also be used store a selection indication or to store a selected parameter value or feature. The operation of the latch could be similar to that of the D-flip flops shown in FIG. 7, for example.

The circuit for selecting the overcurrent threshold limit operates as follows. An error amplifier output is initially tri-stated to disconnect it from its other functionality. An external impedance connected between the tri-stated connection and ground connection receives an arbitrary supply voltage from the connection to develop a current that can be measured in the controller. The current through the impedance is measured or sensed and compared to one or more internal levels. As the comparison to the internal levels is made, a decision is made for selection of one of the internal preset levels based on the current supply to the external component. Once the decision is made, the error amplifier output is reconnected using the tri-state gate.

The above series of operations can be provided through an internal sequencer to obtain good overcurrent threshold data in a very short time period. For example, threshold data may be acquired in approximately one millisecond, which includes sensing the current supplied to the external impedance and deciding on which preset overcurrent threshold limit to select. Once the internal sequence is completed, the controller can move on to a normal start sequence and normal operation, for example.

In accordance with the present invention, a connection to a power controller is used to drive an external impedance to obtain a programmable selection for an overcurrent threshold limit. The choice of controller connection can vary, and is made according to an exemplary embodiment to incorporate an amplifier or driver that is operable to provide a current to an external component or network. Accordingly, the tri-stated functionality need not be an error amplifier, but can be any function that has a free operating range available for use for other functionality in a multi-purpose connection.

The present invention is not limited to overcurrent threshold limit detection and setting, but can be used with any type of control function where a programmable set point is desired without the use of a dedicated external connection. One example of an internal programmable function is the operating frequency of the controller. Another example would be selection of several soft start timing ranges.

Finally, it will be appreciated that modifications to and variations of the above-described apparatus and method may be made without departing from the inventive concepts disclosed herein. Accordingly, the invention should not be viewed as limited except by the scope and spirit of the appended claims. 

1. A circuit for programming an internal parameter of a controller, comprising: a multi-function connection to the controller, where at least two of the functions are temporally separated in different stages; a switch coupled to the connection and operable to switch between functions in dependence upon a given stage of operation; an impedance coupled to the switch and operable to provide a reference signal for determining selection of an internal parameter value when the switch is switched in accordance with a first stage; and a selection circuit coupled to the connection and operable to select an internal parameter value from a plurality based on the reference signal during the first stage.
 2. The circuit according to claim 1, further comprising a decoding circuit coupled to the connection for selecting the internal parameter value.
 3. The circuit according claim 2, further comprising a comparison circuit for comparing the reference signal to internal parameter values.
 4. A power controller, comprising a programmable internal parameter according to the circuit of claim
 1. 5. The controller according to claim 4, wherein the controller is realized as an IC and the connection is a pin on the IC.
 6. A method for programming an internal parameter in a power converter controller, comprising: setting a first state for the controller to obtain a first function for a multifunction connection; providing a signal to an impedance coupled to the controller on the multifunction connection in the first state to obtain a reference signal; selecting an internal parameter from a plurality based on the reference signal; and setting a second state to obtain a second function for the multifunction connection.
 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the impedance is a resistor.
 8. The method according to claim 6, wherein the reference signal includes one or more of a current value or a voltage value.
 9. The method according to claim 6, further comprising delaying setting a second state until the internal parameter value is selected.
 10. The circuit according to claim 1, wherein the reference signal includes one or more of a reference current value or a voltage value.
 11. The circuit according to claim 10, wherein the selection circuit further comprises: a current threshold circuit operable to provide a comparative indication of the reference current value in relation to one or more current thresholds; and a decoding circuit coupled to the current threshold circuit and operable to select the internal parameter value based on the indication.
 12. The circuit according to claim 11, wherein the current threshold circuit further comprises: a current mirror having two sides; a first side operable to permit the reference current to flow; a second side operable to permit a threshold current to flow, whereby the threshold current does not flow when the value of the reference current is less than the threshold current, and the threshold current flows when the value of the reference current is greater than the threshold current.
 13. The circuit according to claim 11, further comprising a latch coupled to the decoding circuit for maintaining an internal parameter value selection indication.
 14. A selection circuit in a controller for selecting an internal parameter value based on an applied reference signal, comprising: a value comparison circuit to which the reference signal is applied and operable to indicate when the reference signal is beyond a predetermined threshold; a decoder coupled to the value comparison circuit and operable to select the internal parameter value based on the indication provided by the value comparison circuit; and a latch coupled to the decoder circuit and operable to maintain an indication of the selection of the internal parameter value.
 15. The circuit according to claim 14, wherein the value comparison circuit includes a current mirror operable to receive the reference signal as a current and turn on one or more current paths having different current values dependant upon a value of the reference current.
 16. The circuit according to claim 14, wherein the latch includes a flip flop.
 17. The circuit according to claim 14, wherein the latch is coupled to the value comparison circuit.
 18. The circuit according to claim 10, wherein the selection circuit further comprises: a voltage threshold circuit operable to provide a comparative indication of the reference voltage value in relation to one or more voltage thresholds; and a decoding circuit coupled to the voltage threshold circuit and operable to select the internal parameter value based on the indication.
 19. The circuit according to claim 18, wherein the voltage threshold circuit further comprises a voltage comparator for providing a comparison result based on the reference voltage value and the one or more voltage thresholds.
 20. The circuit according to claim 18, further comprising a latch coupled to the decoding circuit for maintaining an internal parameter value selection indication. 